Starting Kindergarten with Pete the Cat

This is my 20th year in kindergarten, and I have always used the typical read alouds to start the year like The Kissing Hand, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten, The Pigeon Goes to School, etc.  Last year, we really got into Pete the Cat mid year, so this year I have tried starting with it and I will probably continue until I retire. 

First, the kids love it and love to sing along and talk with the book, "GOODNESS NO!" they all say.  But what has been great is how Pete doesn't get upset over things.  He says things like "It's all good."  Fast forward to our first art project and one of my little girls made a mistake.  She looked at me and, as if on cue, said, "It's alllllllllll goooooood." Kindergartners often get upset over every little thing, so the theme of Pete will hopefully carry us through these first few months!

We read (and watched a video) for Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes.  Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes, and Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. 

Have You Filled a Bucket Today

Have you Filled a Bucket Today is one of my favorite books for kindness.  Kindergartners really relate to this concept.  I am posting my anchor chart to show that not everything done in classrooms is IG perfect.  We can still just sketch out a picture without fancy lettering, gorgeous borders, or Astrobrights!  The purpose is to have something to reference in class. Bam. Ten minutes and it's donen (okay, maybe fifteen).  

Click here for a free PDF of the hearts and stars. 

Student Gifts

At my school, the kids come in for a 20 minute one-on-one "meet the teacher."  The sole purpose is to build relationships and reduce student fear/anxiety.  Since my class is the "Rainbow Room" at my school, before I let the kids have this candy, I ask if they think it will help their brains remember we are the rainbow room to help them always find the right classroom.  So far, only one kid thought it wouldn't help at all! 

The gift tags are a freebie on my TpT store.  Click here to download them.   

Rainbow Word Wall

My classroom is classic rainbows.  Not really IG worthy, but I really love my yellow and sky blue word wall.  I made these toppers after being inspired by a teammate's classroom that IS IG worthy.  Old dog trying to learn new tricks. 

Click here to buy the headers for only $1.50 at my TpT store.  Your purchase means so much.  I try to support smaller TpTers any chance I get, but also love the big dogs like Moffat Girls, Educlips, and A Cupcake for the Teacher. 

  

Kid Interviews

At our school, we have two days where kids come in one-on-one to meet the teacher.  The goal of this is simply relationship building.  I love to ask kids a few simple questions and take their pictures to practice their names ahead of day 1.  It helps SO much!  

The interview sheet is free on my TpT store for kindergarten and first grade.  Click here to download it from TpT. 

Sending a Video to Kids

Buy the book on Amazon here! 

     

I saw this book at the store and thought, "I should read this to my kids BEFORE they even get here."  Remote teaching helped me to get over my insecurities with seeing myself on video, so I just went for it.  I filmed myself reading the story to the kids and gave parents the opportunity to help their children to write me back.  I love the randomness of what they want to tell me.  I was told some students watched it 10+ times and were "mesmerized." That helped me remember how little and sweet my kindergartners are and how important my job is. I used some of the student names while reading the story, which was also super special for the kids.  "I wonder if Nolan likes to paint?" Some ideas fail, but this one was a win. 

Buy the book on Amazon here! 

Before and Not After

This is what I walked into in late July.  Lots and lots of furniture to move and boxes to unpack.  But I am not adding an after photo.  My classroom isn't Instagram worthy.  My theme is rainbows, but it's basic.  This year, as I set up my room the only thing that I told myself was "function."  As much as I want my classroom to be as beautiful as the ones I see all over the internet, it's just not my strength or in my budget, and I am okay with that. 🌈